Fashion student Nicole Lardner gives tips on how to build a casual outfit, and how to dress warmly for the cold weather!
“New to being in a colder climate, how to dress warmly in the cold while still being fashionable.”
-Cold yet Chic
Learning how to stay warm in a colder climate can include a lot of trial and error, especially as it stays cold through spring. I’m from Missouri and still didn’t learn how to stay properly warm in cold weather until this past winter break. I worked outside — often at night — and quickly needed to figure out how to stay warm in freezing temperatures. These tips are what helped me survive those cold winter nights!
Layering is your best friend!
As temperatures dip, a singular pair of jeans and a shirt will not keep you properly insulated. Make sure to have some sort of base layer underneath your main outfit. While I often opted for a plain pair of long underwear under my work uniform, I encourage you to be creative with your layering! Wearing some sort of collared base layer can add an extra texture or color to your ensemble.
Protect your feet!
Wearing proper footwear and socks is imperative to staying warm. Try to wear something insulated, such as a snow or rain boot. Bearpaw has many different styles of winter boots that come in all different styles and colors. Ugg also has many iconic and warm styles to choose from. When it comes to socks, use specialty hikers’ or runners’ socks formulated for cold weather. These socks are often made with special materials that keep your feet nice and toasty.
Scarves, hats and mittens, oh my!
Not only does wearing winter accessories keep you warm, but it can also add more fun to your outfit! If you can, try to find a matching color scheme for all of your winter accessories to tie your whole outfit together. If you’re going for a more eclectic look, try to thrift or shop for different types of funky knits and winter accessories.
Coat up!
Last but not least, you need a warm winter coat. A winter coat is the easiest way to express your style when it’s cold out. There are many styles of winter coats to choose from, from a classic trench, a modern puffer, to even a bold fur coat. Many brands— such as Asos or Urban Outfitters — have diverse winter coats options. However, make sure your coat keeps you fundamentally warm and isn’t just for show. Your health and safety always trump how good your outfit looks.
Hopefully these tips allow you to build your own comfortable — but cute — outfits for class! Being able to build outfits every day is a great skill to have towards a stylish future!
“Need more comfortable outfits for class. Don’t want to feel too flashy. Do you have any advice?” -Class Comfort.
The best way to learn how to change up your usual fashion uniform is learning how to make outfits, outside of just throwing stuff on. Hopefully, these tips make creating new kinds of outfits just a little bit easier.
Change out clothing items.
If you want to dress a little nicer for class, I would always go for a nice pair of jeans or trousers. Swapping out the usual pair of leggings or sweatpants for nicer pants can make an outfit look way more put together. If you’re wanting to stay in your comfort zone, try to wear one piece of casual clothing you would usually wear with one piece of new clothing. For example, if you usually wear a t-shirt and leggings, wear a t-shirt and jeans!
Utilize what you know.
You can also try to re-create silhouettes you usually wear with other clothing. If you gravitate towards a more oversized silhouette, try wearing an oversize sweater with wide-leg jeans or an oversized hoodie with a maxi skirt. If you like a tighter silhouette, try to wear a tighter-fit tee shirt or henley with straight-leg jeans.
Accessorize!
Using accessories is a great way to build a complete outfit and start to gauge what level of accessories you’re comfortable with. Begin with a simple set of jewelry and add or take away from there. Having a set of jewelry that you wear every day will make you look more put together and will make your outfits look more put together.
Edited by Ever Cole, ecole@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Shirin Rekabdar-Xavier and Mary Philip